Surgical operation tables



y 1969 A. J. RYMAN 3,452,977

SURGICAL OPERATION TABLES Filed Nov. 30, 1965 Sheet 6r 2 .INVENTOR ARTHUR mrmis RYMHN ATTORNEY Q Jiily1,1969 'A.J.RYMAN 3,452,977

SURGICAL OPERAT ION TABLES Filed NovfSO, 1965 Sheet 3 of 2 INVEYNTOR ARTHUR TIWES Avmmv.

ATTORNEYS- United States Patent US. Cl. 269-324 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An operation table is provided which can be used in conventional manner but which is specially constructed for use with an X-ray tube below and an intensifier above a patient. The operation table of the invention comprises a segmented patient-supporting platform, a carrier for the platform mounted on a base and slidably connected with the platform so that the platform can be moved lengthwise between a normal position above the base and an overhanging position wherein the major portion of the platform is clear of the base and in which position it is suitably counterbalanced. The platform is composed of material translucent to X-rays.

This invention relates to surgical operation tables.

X-ray equipment which enables surgical operations to be performed under fluoroscopic control has recently become available. Such equipment is known as an image intensifier. The X-ray tube of an image intensifier is commonly positioned beneath a patient and the actual intensifier above the patient and in such cases the equipment cannot be used with a conventional operation table. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved operation table which can be used in the conventional manner, but which can also be used with an X-ray tube below, and an intensifier above a patient.

According to the invention, a surgical operation table comprises a platform arranged to support a patient and made of a material translucent to X-rays;1a base; a carrier for the platform, the said carrier being mounted on the base and being slidably connected with the platform so that the platform can be moved lengthwise between a normal position in which it is above the base and an overhanging position in which the major portion of the platform is clear of the base; and means for counterbalancing the platform when it is in its overhanging position.

Two embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by the same reference numerals and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an operation table in a normal position of use,

. FIGURE 2 is a similar view illustrating the same table in an alternative position,

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a carrier assembly of the table top,

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view illustrating a modification.

-In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, a surgical operation table comprises a platform or table top T which can support a patient and which consists of at least four interconnected table top sections, namely the head section 1, upper trunk section 2, lower trunk section 3 and leg section 4, the patient normally being positioned on the platform with his head on the head section. A fifth section for the upper leg of the patient can also be provided if desired. These sections are made of X-ray translucent material. They 3,452,977 Patented July 1, 1969 ice can support a cushion or cushions 5. The head and leg sections are preferably extendable and interchangeable, as described in British Patent No. 814,770. The movement of the platform is preferably controlled from what is normally the head-section end of the platform.

The platform is supported on a carrier or yoke 6, connected with the upper trunk section 2. The yoke 6 is supported by a ram 7 for raising or lowering the table top T hydraulically with respect to a wheeled base 8 on which the ram mechanism is mounted. The connection between the yoke 6 and the upper trunk section 2 permits the table top T to be moved lengthwise relative to the supporting yoke and ram, to and from a normal position above the base (shown in FIGURE 1) to an overhanging position in which the table may be used for image intensification (shown in FIGURE 2). In the overhanging position, a major portion of the platform overhangs the base. Thus, with the use of interchangeable head and leg sections, image intensification of the mid-trunk to foot region of the patient or alternatively the mid-trunk to head region is readily available.

To permit such movement sliding tracks 9 (FIGURE 3) of steel are integral with the upper trunk section 2 and pass through plummer blocks 10 attached to the yoke 6. If desired the tracks can be of aluminium with inserts of steel or other suitable metal. Additional support for the platform is provided by guiding rollers (not visible in FIGURES l to 4) which may be single rollers or telescopic runners. The table top T can be secured in a desired longitudinal position on the tracks by any suitable locking device.

This is conveniently in the form of telescopic locking rods 11 which can be expanded into or out of engagement with locking blocks 12 at opposite ends of the tracks 9. Such movement is effected by rotation of a hand wheel 13 acting through bevel gears 14.

In an alternative arrangement, the tracks may be screwthreaded and may be driven by a gearing which winds through threaded plummer blocks to permit the change of position to be effected mechanically or hy draulically.

In order to maintain the stability of the table when in the overhanging position, a counter-balance is provided. This counter-balance may be or include main gearbox 15, of the operating mechanism of the table together with weights contained in a housing 15a.

'In order to permit the platform to be swung about its longitudinal axis (i.e. so-called lateral tilt movement) a conventional mechanism for this purpose is provided.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a modification in which the trunk section 2 of the table top runs on a plurality of balls 18 which co-operate with tracks 19. The section can be displaced longitudinally by rotation of a threaded shaft 20, driven through a toothed wheel 21 and bevel gear 22 in the gear box of the table. The shaft 20 works in a threaded bore in the yoke 6.

What is claimed is:

1. A surgical operation table comprising a platform arranged to support a patient; a base; a carrier for the platform, the said carrier being mounted on said base and being slidably connected with said platform so that said platform can be moved lengthwise between a normal position in which it is above said base and an overhanging position in which the major portion of the platform is clear of said base; and means for counterbalancing said platform when it is in the overhanging position.

2. A surgical operation table comprising a patientsupporting platform made of a material which is translucent to X-rays; a wheeled base; a, yoke carried by said base; plummer blocks attached to said yoke; sliding tracks mounted on said platform and passing through said plummer blocks whereby said platform can slide 3 4 with respect to said yoke between a normal position and References Cited an overhanging position; and means for counterbalancing said platform when it is in said overhanging position. UNITED STATES PATENTS 3. A surgical operation table comprising a platform 2,177,808 10/1939 Pohl 269-323 X for supporting a patient; a wheeled base; a carrier yok 5 3,197,198 7/1965 Collis 269-322 supported by said base; a plurality of sliding tracks on said platform; a plurality of balls supported on said yoke FOREIGN PATENTS in engagement with said tracks whereby said platform 9,414 3/1961 France. can slide longitudinally of itself with respect to said yoke between a normal position and an overhanging position 10 ROBERT C. RIORDON, Primary Examiner. in which it overhangs said base; and means for c0unt er JAMES R MCKEOWN, Assistant Examiner. balancing sald platform when it is in said overhanging position. US. Cl. X.R.

4. A table as claimed in claim 1 comprising in addi- 15 250-54 tion means for locking said platform in a desired longitudinal position with respect to said yoke. 

